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Rybakina won the greatest payday in WTA history by overcoming top-ranked Sabalenka in straight sets at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina delivered a impressive performance to overcome four-time Grand Slam champion her opponent in two sets in Saudi Arabia.

Since each competitor advanced through the tournament undefeated, the prize money on offer was a unprecedented £3.98 million – the biggest payout awarded in WTA the sport's history.

The prize money tops the £3.74m the Belarusian won for claiming the New York major, which was the most lucrative Grand Slam in the current year.

"This has been an fantastic tournament," said Rybakina.

"I honestly couldn't have predicted this outcome so to go so far was just remarkable."

"I want to say congratulations to Sabalenka for being number one for a second year running, it's an incredible achievement."

Rybakina, who was the sixth-ranked player, delivered 16 winning shots during a dominant first-set performance.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner fended off a couple of break points before taking every point in the sixth game to take the break and served out to secure the opening set.

As the second set progressed, Sabalenka saved another two opportunities at 4-4 to swing the momentum in her favour.

However, having worked so hard to disrupt Rybakina's rhythm, Sabalenka failed to capitalize by wasting a pair of set points in the next game to level the set at 5-5.

Sabalenka's failure to force a decider affected her tie-break play, with the Kazakh winning all seven points to win the championship.

This win, her sixth triumph over her rival, means she will rise one place in the rankings to fifth in the world.

An emotional the runner-up was seen crying as she met with her team shortly after the match.

"That was not the best display from me in this match but Elena you were certainly the better player," the Belarusian addressed the crowd.

"You really smashed me on court. I'm happy to see you play your best tennis. Celebrate this beautiful trophy."